Mike McGlinchey’s return to practice is good news for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers saw right tackle Mike McGlinchey back to practice this week, which is good news for the team going forward.

The San Francisco 49ers are already preparing for a significant shift to the team’s offense this season as Trey Lance takes over as the team’s starting quarterback. It’s important to begin his era under center with as much protection as possible. Fortunately the Niners got some good news on that front with the appearance of right tackle Mike McGlinchey back at practice this week.

McGlinchey has missed quite a bit of the team’s preseason schedule due to a knee injury that flared up earlier in August. That comes on the heels of a missed half season due to a quad injury in 2021. (Let’s not forget McGlinchey had knee problems in 2019 as well.)

While McGlinchey hasn’t lived up to the draft hype that made him a top 10 selection only a few years ago, the truth is that the Niners have endured quite a few changes along the offensive front already. While Trent Williams is the single best lineman in the game and anchors the unit, San Fran lost center Alex Mack to retirement and didn’t have the money to keep Laken Tomlinson in free agency. A brand new offensive interior is already in the plans and McGlinchey’s injury only complicated matters.

With McGlinchey back so soon before the regular season begins—the Niners open the year with a road trip to face the Chicago Bears on September 11—it bodes well for his outlook that the team isn’t being overly careful at this point. In short, practicing now isn’t a necessity with nearly two full weeks to go. If he’s ready now, he’ll certainly line up opposite Williams when it counts at Soldier Field.

McGlinchey, a first-round pick in 2018, has started 52 total games for the 49ers over the last four seasons.